By Pettina Jaques
The festive season is upon us, and we all like to give ourselves permission to relax a little bit more, and maybe even enjoy something from the ‘naughty’ list, after all it is the perfect time of year to do this. The question is then - how do we enjoy the holiday spirt, without feeling guilty afterwards. A couple of simple little tricks can be the key.
First tip:- Plan in advance. Start thinking now how you can be friendly to your liver and instead of having every drink that is offered to you on the day– plan to have some ingredients ready on the day to make some festive mocktails – everyone would like to join in then and nobody feels like they are missing out. This can be done with your sweet treats also. Make some miniature energy balls and make them into little snow men – they’ll be sure to be the most popular treat of the day. A savoury option is perfect too! Pinterest is fabulous for ideas!
Rumball snowman
Second tip:- In the days leading up to Christmas be really conscious of your food choices, being a little bit naughty on Christmas, means you need to be extra good leading up to it. Even if that means for only 2 or 3 days in the week leading up – give back to your body on those days. Make some extra green smoothies and/or take an extra long walk, or go for that jog you’ve been meaning to go on. Then of course there is New Years – so again plan for 2 or 3 days where you are going to be really good leading up to it.
Third tip, for good luck:- Think about your motivator. Are you going to be extra mindful over Christmas for yourself and reap the benefits of your body loving you back, or maybe you have a loved one that you want to be there that much more for, who can motivate you. Or even planning a week’s detox in the New Year, which will set you up beautifully for the coming adventures of the New Year.
The most important thing is to enjoy, relax and be mindful, after all laughter and fun, really is our best medicine.
I couldn't agree more about the laughter Pettina! I would also love to add one tip that I feel will be super useful during the festive season is to not eat your last meal too late! If you have a HUGE Christmas feast, give your body a break in the evening and drink water or fast the following morning until 11am and just drink water and herbal tea. You'll have a great evacuation (which makes anyone feel amazing!) as your body would have had a rest and time to repair.
Enjoy the Festive Season!...it's my favourite time of the year :)